FDA Approves 1st Blood Test For Alzheimer’s Dx

The FDA has cleared the first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The test, called the Lumipulse assay, is being touted as a more affordable alternative to PET scans and could be incorporated into physician office visits. In a straw poll of insurers, 3 in 5 we talked to are contemplating a kind of test trial comparing the diagnostics – “we could require patients to have the blood test first before PET scans if it proves comparatively cost effective,” according to Alicia Kearns, MD, a medical director. The Lumipulse test is from Fujirebio Diagnostics. A spokesperson says it "measures two proteins in the bloodstream to find the likelihood of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.” For families, the test could be a real key to knowing what’s going on before the signs unravel, and helping create a plan of care, treatment and solutions. One broader question is the clinical utility of tests like these, the medical necessity and the overall cost-benefit. In our poll last year of 11,610 families, 87% said their biggest challenge in helping their older parents is managing through the challenges of dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and nearly all of them said they wish they knew earlier. I know this is true for my own family - we lost my grandmother many years ago to Alzheimer’s…..that story here: